A Knyght Ther Was

by Robert F. Young

"A Knyght Ther Was" by Robert F. Young is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story follows Mallory, a time-thief who journeys back to ancient Britain in search of the Holy Grail. Armed with futuristic technology disguised in medieval aesthetics, he adopts the persona of Sir Galahad in a quest that leads him into a world filled with knights, chivalry, and unexpected twists that challenge his perceptions of bravery and virtue. The opening of the novel introduces Mallory as he materializes in sixth-century Britain aboard his time-space boat, outfitting himself in a custom suit of armor and preparing for his mission. As he navigates through the forest towards the castle of Carbonek, the anticipation of confronting historical legends looms large. The narrative shifts focus as he interacts with Jason Perfidion, a fellow time-thief, who dismisses the very existence of the Grail. Following an encounter at the castle, Mallory's quest takes an unexpected turn when he discovers a damsel named Rowena who holds the key to the Grail’s whereabouts, setting the stage for an adventure that intertwines past and future in ways he hadn’t anticipated.